Local panels okay

Apropos the editorial “Fighting for gurdwaras” (July 23), our leaders should not politicise religion.

The Sikhs of Haryana have a right to manage their own gurdwaras. In Seoul (South Korea), I have seen Sikh boys managing two gurdwaras without the SGPC. There should be a local committee of each gurdwara for better management and it is in tune with the principle of decentralisation and proper use of donations.

Let the SGPC change its looks. actions and words. Let legal course of action be taken if the decision is not in tune with natural justice.

PROF MM GOEL, Kurukshetra

SAD misusing power

The advice given in the editorial “Fighting for gurdwaras” is sane and timely. SAD has been misusing religion for political ends. Led by a family, it has made a cocktail of politics and religion by interfering in SGPC affairs. Why is SAD seeking the assistance of the Central Government to sort out a religious matter? It is the job of Akal Takht, the supreme religious body, or the court of law.

It is the legitimate right of the Haryana Sikhs to have a separate SGPC, like in some other states such as Delhi. The Sikh community should sort out the issue without flaunting arms in public.

Manga Ram, Faridabad

Don’t politicise SPGC

The SGPC is a private autonomous religious body. Therefore, no state or government authority should intervene in its private affairs. To prevent political chaos, it should be left alone to decide its affairs according to its constitution and byelaws.

Rajesh Chadha, via email

A religious matter

If Delhi can have its own committee, why not Haryana? The Punjab Government must hold discussions on the issue instead of protests, which hurt Sikh sentiments. It is not a political matter but a religious one.

Ritu Thakur, Panchkula

Misplaced priority

Reference to the news items “Row over control of Gurdwaras in Haryana” and “It’s Panth vs Congress, says CM Badal”, I think it’s an issue of Badal vs Haryana SGPC golak. Punjab youths are dying with drugs. People aren't getting potable water or ample electricity. There is an immense shortage of coal. A whoopping number of youth is unemployed. Yet, Badals are more fretful about gurdwara golaks! They should focus on these issues.

Hardeep Singh, Morinda

A fight for ‘golak’

I fail to understand the row over the HGPC, which is legally constituted, and is the right of Sikhs in the state. I fail to understand the excommunication of few HGPC members when they have not done anything against the Panth. Rather, they have facilitated the Sikhs of Haryana to look after their interests better, by self-governance of their shrines. I also fail to understand the undue interest being shown by some political parties in the matter, and interference by the Centre in the issue which is a state subject.

But, one thing that seems to be clear is that our friends are on the boil not so much for religion but for power politics, and the control of 'golaks'. Yes, it is money which makes brothers fight, and relations break. So, lets not blow up the issue, and make it a law and order problem. Religion teaches us peace and brotherhood. Let’s follow what we preach, please.

Col RD Singh ( retd), Ambala Cantt